Fatal accident as commuter omnibus hits pothole

TWO people died on the spot, while 15 others were seriously injured when a commuter omnibus hit a pothole before overturning last Friday near Mutora business centre in Gokwe.

Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the accident.

"Slyvester Hunduza (36) of Mutora stands in Gokwe was driving a Nissan Caravan with 17 passengers on board heading towards Mhumha business centre. Upon approaching the 700-metre peg from Mutora business centre, he lost control of the vehicle after hitting a pothole," he said.

"The vehicle veered off the road and overturned before landing on its side. On person died on the spot and 16 others sustained serious injuries."

Mahoko said one of the injured persons was pronounced dead on admission at Gokwe North Hospital.

He said three of the 13 victims who were admitted at Gokwe Hospital were in a critical condition and had to be transferred to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare.

In an unrelated incident, a four-year-old girl died on the spot after being hit by a car.

Mahoko said the accident occurred last Thursday along the Gweru-Zvishavane Highway.

He said Lovemore Pinduke (39), of Riverside in Gweru, was driving a towards Gweru when he hit the girl, who was crossing the road at the 82km peg along the highway.

Mahoko said the girl died on the spot.

He urged drivers to exercise caution on the roads to avoid accidents.